Learning Infrastructures In Times of Economic Uncertainty

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In times of economic uncertainty, it could well be that attention to detail along with learning and development can help companies rise to the top and become successful. The desire to learn is instilled in us all from birth and this does not stop when employed at a business, with workforces keen find out more about the direction that their industry is moving in and the latest techniques which can be harnessed.

At the same time, businesses should be proactive in ensuring that their workforce is obtaining the information that it needs in order to progress and face the challenges that are thrown at it. In 2008, the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board in Washington released its High Skills, High Wages 2008-2018 report, promoting the benefits of having a skilled, flexible workforce. It found that the average age of workers was getting higher, while the lower birth rates of the post-baby boom years suggested that there could well be a labor force shortage on the horizon. The organization said that the ability of businesses to compete would require them to "tap the full talents of all our workforce".

"To do that, we must ensure our residents obtain the job skills and education required by our increasingly technology-driven, knowledge-based economy," the report noted. It also came with a stark warning that "if we do nothing, we may find tomorrow's workforce unprepared and our economy wanting".

The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board followed this study up a couple of years later with an Employer Survey and revealed that businesses in Washington were getting the message, with six out of ten firms paying for educational opportunities for at least some of their staff. It was also found that larger firms, those with 100-plus employees, were more likely to invest in training and learning, as 85 percent sought to improve their labor force this way. 

Sometimes, bringing in systems to support learning in an organization will take a change in attitude from the workforce. The training has to be effective, suitable and complementary to their roles and the processes that they use. One such area for training is in the use of technology, with computers being used in nearly every workplace. This has moved on from simple word processing and spreadsheet programs to cloud computing and the use of tablets like the iPad.

Technology, however, can also play its role in training, with online channels being an excellent way of reaching more people in more places and in less time. A white paper entitled Beyond the Basics: How to optimize online training for maximum impact, said that the challenge that businesses face is for them to refine how value is both created and delivered.

"Great online training goes beyond simply reaching people with an online slideshow. Timeless principles such as getting your trainees involved with their own learning experience are equally valid online as they are in person," the report advised. It noted that careful planning and practice is key to offering online sessions, which "feel natural, delight your trainees and help your organization improve the reach and frequency of your key training messages as part of reaching your goals".

Another avenue to explore is that of corporate or company academies, which is where a business has its own training and development institute which is specific to that individual company. The main goal of these portals is to ensure that the strategy of the organization is stamped onto any learning opportunities that are available, making them more relevant and adding greater value. However, in order to work to their potential, academies need to be woven into the fabric of a business and this will make sure that they deliver an impact.

Contributor:   From the HRIQ Editorial Desk

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